While the counties in which it is situated – Gwinnett and Barrow – are facing large budget shortfalls for fiscal year 2010, the city of Auburn is planning to trim spending while giving employees pay increases of 2.5 percent.

At a budget work session Monday night, the city staff presented a $3.5 million spending plan that is roughly $100,000 less than was budgeted for the fiscal year that ends Sept. 30.

With the city’s relatively small staff, the cost of the proposed raises should be no more than $56,499, including benefits, said city administrator Ron Griffith.
No tax hikes are planned, though the millage rate will not be set until September, said Mayor Linda Blechinger.
For complete Auburn budget coverage, see the Aug. 5 issue of the Barrow Journal.